• A Nigerian lady has cried out on social media seeking help on the behalf of popular Nigerian actress Doris Ogala
• In a video, the lady claimed the Doris Ogala has been hospitalised and asked people to check on her before her condition gets worse
• Speaking further, the lady noted that she felt bad for the actress after she exposed her alleged escapades with a pastor

A Nigerian lady has shared a video on TikTok calling attention to the wellbeing of Nollywood actress Doris Ogala.

The video quickly went viral on social media as she lamented about the actress’s emotional state and health.

Lady solicits help for Doris Ogala

In the clip, the lady appealed to people within the actress’s circle to intervene urgently, expressing fear that the situation could worsen if no one stepped in.

She hinted that the actress had been overwhelmed by personal struggles and required immediate support from those close to her.

Read also

“It’s wrong”: Man shares disappointing thing he discovered about Doris Ogala and Pastor Chris Okafor

Identified on TikTok as @mummyuniqueoffrance, she explained why she felt compelled to speak publicly.

She stated that she had followed the recent situation involving the actress and a popular pastor Chris Okafor, and felt pained by what she had observed.

According to her, Ogala had endured emotional pain after an alleged romantic involvement with the pastor.

The lady implied that the experience had taken a heavy toll on the actress, leaving her deeply in pain and vulnerable, especially after hearing that the pastor was getting married to another lady.

In her words:

“Anybody close to Doris Ogala should go and check on her o. This girl is going through a lot o. Depression is real o. She said since the pastor slept with her she hasn’t gotten herself. Now they said the pastor wants to marry. Depression is real. I feel for her o. See the way she dey cry. She don land for hospital.”

Reactions as Doris Ogala is reportedly hospitalised

Read also

“Red flag”: Man openly supports Pastor Chris Okafor amid Doris Ogala controversy, explains why

TikTok users stormed the comments section to react to the heartbreaking post.

@humpherychime said:

“Any man don’t believe in Jesus go and build a criminal pastors your own.”

@Millennium said:

“Please Ma. Me Oluchi from Tiktok is asking God to give you a blessing that will make you forget this my love. I can see your pain. Please ma. Vengeance is too strong it is so strong like the grave. Mummy please. I am begging you. Please allow the universe to handle this please. I don’t know the depth of the hurt you have. Nne biko ghara. God bless you.”

@amypeace said:

“But the woman fine oo y pastor Chris wan leave her.”

@Nda said:

“Ma’am, you don’t have to work yourself out because of a man. Be strong and walk away with your shoulders high up above the mountains.”

@the truth reacted:

“The grass is not always greener outside. You left your marriage for a motivational speaker on tv.”

@Ezestellaoluchi said:

Read also

Natasha Akpoti Breaks Silence After Doris Ogala Vowed to Expose Incriminating Evidence Against Her

“That one vex me abeg, how you go leave your husband cause of another man God forbid.”

@St. Jonathan added:

“So if promise a woman marriage and later her attitude doesn’t go well with me I should not leave her because I have made a promise to her? Promising marriage is not a guarantee of marriage don’t marry out of pity if it doesn’t go well with you leave her/him simple.”

See the post below:

Man supports Pastor Chris Okafor

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a Nigerian man spoke out in support of a popular pastor after watching a video that recently surfaced online.

In the video, the pastor spoke about women and explained why some men might not choose certain women as their wives.

Source: Legit.ng

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…dismisses claims of EFCC weaponisation, insists agency is independent and accountable only to the law

…says defections to APC are voluntary, driven by Tinubu’s reforms, not coercion

The Presidency has cautioned opposition politicians to desist from actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s democratic and anti-corruption institutions, accusing them of engaging in subterfuge, scapegoating, and politicization of accountability in a bid to escape scrutiny.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency cautioned that attempts to discredit national institutions for “cheap political gains” would not distract the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from enforcing the rule of law.

The statement was a response to claims by a group of opposition figures who alleged that Nigeria’s multi-party democracy was under threat following the defection of prominent politicians to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Dismissing the allegation, the Presidency said such claims ignored constitutional guarantees, noting that “our constitution guarantees freedom of association and affords our people the right to change their political leanings at any time of their choosing.”

According to the statement, the defectors joined the APC without pressure, stressing that “none of the people who joined the governing APC were pressured to do so. They all did so of their own free will,” and were motivated by “the noticeable gains of President Bola Tinubu’s reform programme.”

The Presidency questioned the selective outrage of the opposition, asking, “When politicians were moving in droves to the now-dying Peoples Democratic Party between 2000 and 2015, was Nigeria’s democracy imperilled?”

On accusations that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was being used to target opposition politicians, the Presidency firmly rejected the claim, reiterating the independence of the anti-graft agency.

“While the Presidency does not speak for the EFCC and believes the agency can speak for itself, we must reiterate that the EFCC is an independent institution established by law and empowered to carry out its statutory responsibilities without interference or favour,” the statement said.

It added that the EFCC’s mandate was to investigate and prosecute financial crimes “irrespective of the personalities involved, their political affiliations, or their positions in society,” emphasising that President Tinubu “does not issue directives to any anti-corruption agency on whom to investigate, arrest, or prosecute.”

Describing allegations of “weaponisation” as a diversionary tactic, the Presidency said such narratives were being pushed by politicians “running short of campaign issues to challenge President Tinubu and the APC’s success in less than three years in office.”

“No one is above the law. Everyone must be accountable for their actions, both in and out of the office. Political affiliation should not be a shield against EFCC statutory work,” the statement declared, noting that the agency’s recent efforts contributed to Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.

The Presidency also noted that some signatories to the opposition statement had been investigated and prosecuted by the EFCC before President Tinubu assumed office in 2023, while others had been indicted in international money-laundering probes, with accomplices jailed abroad.

“We advise those politicians not to undermine the integrity of our nation’s institutions and the collective resolve to fight corruption by weaponising politics to escape accountability and encourage impunity,” the statement warned.

The Presidency concluded that the fight against corruption remained a collective national responsibility that must not be “trivialised by baseless allegations, jaundiced or politicised narratives.”

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By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, on Sunday drew a firm line against unconstitutional changes of government, condemning recent coups and attempted coups in the sub-region, warning of targeted sanctions against offenders.

The regional body reaffirmed its readiness to deploy the ECOWAS Standby Force to defend constitutional order.

At the close of the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, ECOWAS Commission President, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, who read the highlights of the final communiqué, outlined far-reaching decisions on regional security, democratic governance and institutional leadership.

Dr Touray said the summit, attended by Heads of State, Vice Presidents and Ministers from all member states, reviewed the Community’s 2025 Annual Report and assessed peace and security developments across West Africa.

According to him, the Authority recognised the “relative stability and resilience” of the region, commended the conduct of recent presidential and general elections in Guinea-Bissau and Côte d’Ivoire, and welcomed preparations by Benin ahead of its forthcoming polls.

The Authority also acknowledged progress in Sierra Leone in implementing the Agreement for National Unity between the government and the opposition All People’s Congress.

On The Gambia, ECOWAS expressed grave concern over statements made from exile by former President Yahya Jammeh, warning that the pronouncements breached the conditions of his asylum in Equatorial Guinea and posed a threat to peace, security and social cohesion.

Dr Touray said the Authority stressed that the joint ECOWAS-African Union-United Nations declaration preceding Jammeh’s departure did not absolve him of accountability for allegations of human rights violations committed during his rule between 1994 and 2016.

The Authority also condemned democratic setbacks in the region, denouncing the coup in Guinea-Bissau as a subversion of the will of the electorate and condemning, without reservation, the attempted coup in Benin.

It applauded the swift intervention of the ECOWAS Standby Force, alongside national forces from Benin, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Sierra Leone, describing the action as a demonstration of regional solidarity.

On Guinea-Bissau, ECOWAS rejected the transition programme announced by the military leadership, demanded the immediate release of all political detainees, and called for a short, inclusive transition led by a civilian government reflecting the country’s political and social diversity.

The Authority authorised the ECOWAS military mission in the country to protect political leaders and national institutions, mandated the Chair of the Authority to lead a fresh high-level mission to Bissau, and directed the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff to engage the military authorities.

“The Authority insists that failure to comply with its decisions will attract targeted sanctions against individuals or groups obstructing the return to constitutional order,” Dr Touray said, adding that ECOWAS had called on the African Union and international partners to support its efforts.

On Guinea, he said the Authority welcomed progress in the transition process ahead of the December 28 elections and confirmed that ECOWAS would deploy election observers.

The summit also reshaped the region’s institutional leadership ahead of the end of the current Commission’s mandate in July 2026.

Consequently, Senegal was named to assume the Presidency of the ECOWAS Commission, with Nigeria as Vice President.

Other statutory portfolios were allocated to Sierra Leone (Political Affairs, Peace and Security), Liberia (Economic Affairs and Agriculture), Côte d’Ivoire (Internal Services), Ghana (Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation), and Benin (Human Development and Social Affairs).

ECOWAS also endorsed Ghana’s candidature for Chairperson of the African Union in 2027 and indicated that Liberia would assume the ECOWAS Commission Presidency between 2030 and 2034, subject to meeting the required criteria.

Earlier, before closing, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, who chairs the ECOWAS Authority, urged the bloc to rebalance its focus by intensifying economic integration after decades dominated by security crises.

“We have a strong belief that we will raise this community to meet its mandate as an economic community,” President Bio said. “But over the last 50 years, we have been more engaged in security, because insecurity is the deepest enemy of development.”

He stressed that meaningful regional integration would remain elusive without stability, while calling for urgent investment in education, jobs and opportunities for West Africa’s rapidly growing youth population.

President Bio described the Abuja summit as taking place at a critical moment for the region, grappling with economic pressures, persistent security threats and multiple, overlapping crises.

“This meeting was dedicated to confronting our inadequacies, addressing our economic and security challenges, and paving the way for a better future for our young people,” he said.

He commended Nigeria for hosting the summit and thanked fellow Heads of State and Government, the ECOWAS Commission and development partners for their cooperation, noting that it was “a privilege to serve the nearly 400 million people of our community.”

Vanguard News

The post ECOWAS cracks down on coups, warns Jammeh, reorders regional power structure appeared first on Vanguard News.

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Coups, terrorist attacks and rising insecurity are threatening West Africa’s democratic future, the United Nations and the African Union warned, as both organisations called for renewed commitment to constitutional governance, inclusive political processes, and regional stability.

Delivering a message on behalf of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Leonardo Santos Simão, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel at the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government on Sunday in Abuja, said the sub-region had experienced both democratic progress and serious setbacks in recent months.

Speaking further, he highlighted successful elections in some countries, but expressed concern over recent military interventions.

“Some of the key developments in the sub-region since June include the successful conduct of the presidential election on 20 October. I wish to congratulate President Alassane Ouattara for his re-election.”

“However, in Guinea-Bissau, peaceful presidential and legislative elections held until 3 November were interrupted by a military coup on 6 November, prompting an extraordinary ECOWAS session.

“One week ago, we witnessed a new attempt to overthrow a democratically elected government in Benin. Thanks to ECOWAS’ decisive action, this attempt was thwarted,” he added.

Simão condemned these actions as a violation of democratic norms.

“The United Nations strongly condemns any attempt to seize power by force, which constitutes a serious threat to the stability of the country and the region, and a violation of fundamental principles of the Constitution under the rule of law,” he said.

He also stressed the growing security challenges across the region.

“Terrorist attacks continue to cause a rising number of victims using increasingly sophisticated means. We need to anchor electoral and political processes on consensus and inclusiveness, with full participation of women, youth and all marginalised groups,” Simão said.

“It is also important to address the root causes of conflict and insecurity, including providing basic social needs like health, education and infrastructure, and ensuring effective, accountable justice and security services through transparent governance and the rule of law,” he added.

Simão called for a multi-dimensional approach to counter-terrorism:

“We must adopt a holistic approach by combining kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, enhancing cross-border and inter-regional cooperation, and acting decisively against transnational organised crime.

“UNOWAS, and the United Nations in general, remain committed to working closely with ECOWAS to strengthen our partnership and contribute to the aspirations of the peoples of the sub-region for peace, security and development.”

Speaking on behalf of African Union Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye highlighted the AU’s support for ECOWAS’s role in defending democracy in the region.

“The African Union is profoundly pleased to continue sharing the same values with ECOWAS under this high-level interface,” Adeoye said.

He condemned recent military interventions in the region as “unacceptable” and warned against the erosion of democratic norms:

“The attempted military intervention in Guinea and the disruptions in other countries represent a serious assault on democratic governance.

“The African Union strongly condemns all such incidents and stands in full unity and solidarity with ECOWAS in opposing unconstitutional changes of government,” Adeoye said.

The AU official also urged long-term measures to strengthen democratic institutions and prevent future crises:

“Going forward, the African Union will deepen collaboration with ECOWAS to structure conflict prevention, political transitions, and build resilient national institutions.

“We pledge to foster mutual assistance to national electoral bodies, parliaments, and judiciaries. West Africa must remain a region of inclusive democracy, durable frameworks, and shared prosperity,” he said.

Adeoye reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to collective action: “In the African Union, we stand firm with ECOWAS on all fronts because this partnership is crucial to promoting stability, democracy, and the dynamic force of the continent on the global stage.”

READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

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Bandits have attacked a branch of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Àaaaz-Kiri community, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

,At least one person was killed while an unspecified number of parishioners were abducted.

Report from the area noted that the suspected bandits shot sporadically to scare the inhabitants away on entering the town in the morning.

In the melee that followed, the gunmen reportedly shot their way towards the church in the village that was holding service.

It’s not clear how many were killed yet. The parishioners were holding Sunday service , when the assailants struck.”

“So far , one person has been confirmed dead; many families are reporting of missing relatives, or close ones as many of them were abducted by the invading gunmen”, said a resident who craved anonymity.

Again, in a coordinated attack , the hoodlums reportedly invaded Illai and Okeagi , settlements in Mopa Muro local government around 4am, killing three persons.

It was noted that the bandits struck two locations almost simultaneously, operating for more than an hour in the communities before distress calls could reach the authorities for actions .

Locals said they first attacked Jamroro settlement, located between Oke-agi and Takete Isao, killing two persons.

Another group reportedly attack a settlement near Ilai Grammar school, killing one person, and abducting three persons.

Jamroro is said to be largely inhabited by Tiv farmers while the settlement near Ilai is said to be occupied by Bassa people who relocated there for farming activities.

In a swift reaction, Senator Sunday Karimi condemned the spate of attacks, calling for urgent intervention.

In a statement, the Senator expressed concern over reports of killing and kidnapping of an unspecified number of worshipers at ECWA Church in Àaaaz-Kiri community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area in the early hour of today 14th December, 2025.

“Today similar incidents have occurred in Oke-Agi and Ilai communities in Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State, where people were kidnapped and killed in one of the Tiv communities in the area”..

The senator added further that many of his constituents fled the community when the bandits returned in a coordinated attack on Sunday.

He described the prolonged insecurity situation in the area as worrisome, calling for concerted efforts to root out the bandits.

“The worsening security situation in the entire district calls for urgent intervention, from both federal and state governments, as well as all stakeholders, to tackle the issue head-on, and rescue the people from the bandits’ attack”, he said .

While the senator recalled that the worshipers kidnapped at the Cherubim and Seraphim church in Yagba East local government area two weeks ago have not been released, he said communities in his district are now living in fear of incessant bandits’ attacks and kidnappings.

Similarly, the state commissioner of Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo sympathized with the people of Illai and Okeagi over the attack.

He said: “Our thoughts are with the people of Illai and Okeagi at this trying moment.

“I am aware that efforts are ongoing to restore security to the area. I have also spoken with the Council Chairman of Mopamuro and other people concerned.
We will triumph by the grace of God”.

However , the state government is yet to make official statement over the incident .

Spokesperson of the Kogi Police Command, CSP William Aya, was contacted but he had not responded as at the time of filing this report.

Related

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The Rivers State Government has said that the state’s health system is undergoing deliberate structural and transformational reforms spanning service delivery, governance, financing, and infrastructure.

Speaking against the backdrop of World Universal Health Coverage, UHC Day, commemorated annually on December 12, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, said Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains committed to ensuring that no resident is denied access to healthcare because of cost, distance, or circumstance.

According to Dr Oreh, Governor Fubara has taken a bold step in demonstrating his commitment to Universal Health Coverage through the Rivers State Health Contributory Health Protection Programme, RIVCHIPP.

The commissioner described RIVCHIPP as a strategic pathway to achieving universal health coverage in the state, adding that the insurance programme is “very operational, functional and already delivering real protection to residents of Rivers State.”

Dr Oreh explained that “RIVCHIPP is now giving families access to accredited health care facilities, offering essential services including emergency and referral services, maternal, newborn and child health, preventive and primitive care, and financial protection from catastrophic health expenses.”

She noted that the insurance programme serves as the state government’s engine for universal health coverage, ensuring that low-income earners and the most vulnerable residents are not left behind.

The commissioner further assured that the Rivers State Government’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage goes beyond health insurance.

She said the state is “expanding and strengthening the entire health system, upgrading physical infrastructure across primary, secondary and tertiary health systems in the state, equipping facilities with essential diagnostics, modern technology and functional medical equipment, and recruiting and deploying health workers” to ensure that every community has access to skilled health professionals, among other critical interventions.

She explained that these efforts are aimed at reducing the financial burden on residents, improving the quality of care, and advancing the state’s journey towards achieving UHC.

Dr Oreh emphasised that attaining Universal Health Coverage is not solely the responsibility of government.
She appealed to residents to enrol in the state government’s health insurance programme, stressing that “good health should not depend on your ability to pay but on your right as a resident of the state.”
She commended Governor Fubara for his leadership, which she said has continued to strengthen and reposition the health system in Rivers State.

Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of RIVCHIPP, Dr Vetty Agala, speaking on the theme for this year’s Universal Health Coverage Day, “Unaffordable Health Care Cost: We are Sick of It”, said the state insurance programme is no longer just an idea on paper.

Addressing an event to mark UHC in Port Harcourt, Dr Agala emphasised that UHC is not merely a mandate but the operating system by which the state functions every day.

She stated that for UHC to be effective, residents must be protected from “catastrophic health expenditure.”

She stressed that citizens must be “visible in the policy of the government, covered in practice and enrolled in the UHC plan of the state, which is RIVCHIPP.”

Dr Agala revealed that approximately 140,000 people have already begun accessing care through RIVCHIPP since the programme commenced in 2024.

She added that RIVCHIPP maintains a network of healthcare providers, both public and private, spanning 210 facilities across the 23 local government areas of the state.

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• A Nigerian man has expressed outrage on social media after seeing the alleged chat between Doris Ogala and pastor Chris Okafor
• In a trending post shared on X, the angry man called for the arrest of the actress over false allegations and blackmail
• Massive reactions trailed his viral post as social media users stormed the comments section to share their opinions

A Nigerian man has reacted angrily to an alleged private chat between actress Doris Ogala and pastor Chris Okafor.

The man, who appeared deeply upset, took to the online space to condemn what he described as damaging claims and intimidation directed at the clergyman.

Man calls for the arrest of Doris Ogala.
Photo credit: @OzoUde/X.
Source: Twitter

Man claims viral WhatsApp chat is false

In the post circulated via the X app, the man identified as @OzoUde directed his anger at Doris Ogala.

He argued that the situation had gone beyond personal disagreement and had entered the territory of criminal conduct.

Read also

“It’s wrong”: Man shares disappointing thing he discovered about Doris Ogala and Pastor Chris Okafor

According to him, the accusations levelled against the pastor and the viral chats which he reposted online were extremely serious and should not have been made publicly without proof to support them.

The man also insisted that saying pastor Chris Okafor was responsible for a family member’s death amounted to a grave offence if not proven.

He noted that such claims damaged reputations and undermined public trust, particularly when directed at a religious leader.

In his words:

“Pastor Chris Okafor, Doris ogala should rot in jail! Enough of all these false accusations, blackmail and allegations. How can you openly and publicly accusea man of God of killing your brother? You must bring evidence!Must he marry you?Perhaps you gave him a paid sexx and expec. This was how one lady blackmail Apostle Suleiman without prove. This is unforgivable. @PastorChrisokafor make sure you get her arrested today. Even if she mentally unstable, let her celebrate Christmas in detention!”Man asks Pastor Chris Okafor to arrest Doris Ogala.
Photo credit: Doris Ogala.
Source: Twitter

Reactions as man blasts Doris Ogala

Nigerians did not hesitate to share their various opinions in the comments.

Deus said:

”Arrest her because he didn’t sleep with her or what? My own is, when did fornicationn become legal that even people in the pulpit can’t practice what they preach. That’s if she’s right o.”

Read also

Pastor Chris Okafor’s marital status trends amid Doris Ogala’s out cry: “My gender no dey select”

Ukemy said:

“That’s how a Married female friend of mine that is having any issues best known to her, said that she wanna pass the night at my house, Omo I said NO. I no dey assist women except na my mum or sister.”

Ali Sunday said:

“Social media is a disaster and set back to nigerian youths only. No wonder Bishop David Oyedepo would always advice youths to dedicate their time into studying books that would improve them.”

Recreate said:

“You singled out the de3th part as if that’s the only thing on her rant but ignore the sexuall escapade a supposed holy man of god is involved. I don’t pity you guys tho, if I had warned this lady when she was enjoying it, she would be sounding like u.”

See the post below:

Man supports Pastor Chris Okafor

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a Nigerian man spoke out in support of a popular pastor after watching a video that recently surfaced online.

Read also

“Red flag”: Man openly supports Pastor Chris Okafor amid Doris Ogala controversy, explains why

In the video, the pastor spoke about women and explained why some men might not choose certain women as their wives.

Source: Legit.ng

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The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Osun State has stated that it was not notified of any governorship primary conducted by a faction of the Accord Party, following reports of a parallel exercise held on Sunday.

The disputed primary reportedly took place in Osogbo, the state capital, where a faction announced Bamigbola Clement as its candidate for the August 8, 2026, governorship election. Bamigbola, presented as the sole aspirant, confirmed his emergence, saying he was selected through a consensus process.

However, INEC’s Public Relations Officer in the state, Musa Olurode, said the commission was unaware of such an exercise. He explained that INEC only monitored the officially recognised Accord Party primary conducted earlier and has since submitted its report.

“We monitored the Accord Party primary held a few days ago, and our report has already been filed. INEC has no knowledge of any other primary by the party,” Olurode said.

The officially recognised Accord Party governorship primary was held last Wednesday in Osogbo and produced Governor Ademola Adeleke as the party’s candidate. According to Abdulazeez Salaudeen, Secretary of the party’s electoral committee, Adeleke secured 145 votes from the 150 accredited delegates, while five votes were voided.

Reacting to the development, the caretaker chairman of the Accord Party in Osun State, Babalola Akande, dismissed the factional exercise, insisting that its organisers lacked the authority to conduct a primary on behalf of the party. Speaking with journalists on Sunday, Akande maintained that Adeleke remains the party’s legitimate governorship candidate.

“This position is final, lawful, and beyond dispute. No parallel arrangement, impersonation, or stage-managed event can overturn this reality,” he said.

Akande also warned that the party would pursue legal action against individuals or groups attempting to legitimise or support the factional candidates, describing the move as an attempt by “politically displaced elements seeking a return to relevance through illegitimate means.”

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Nigerian billionaire Abdul Samad Rabiu has distributed approximately $20.7 million in cash rewards to long-serving employees of BUA Group, marking one of the largest employee reward programmes announced by a private Nigerian company in recent years.

The gesture highlights a growing focus on staff retention and welfare at a time when businesses are grappling with rising costs and economic uncertainty.

The payouts were announced on December 13, 2025, at the BUA Night of Excellence Long Service Awards held at Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos. The event recognised employees across the group for years of service, loyalty, and sustained contributions to the company’s operations. BUA Group is one of Africa’s largest industrial conglomerates, with interests spanning cement, sugar, flour, and other manufacturing and infrastructure-related sectors.

Breakdown of the cash reward 

• According to details shared at the event, the cash rewards were structured across multiple levels of service.
•  Five employees received N1 billion each, equivalent to about $691,000, while another five employees were awarded N500 million, or roughly $345,000 each.
• Several others received N100 million, while dozens of employees earned sums ranging from N5 million to N20 million, depending on their years of service and role within the organisation.

The broad spread of beneficiaries suggests an effort to extend rewards beyond top management to include long-serving staff across different cadres.

BUA’s businesses operate in sectors that are central to Nigeria’s economy but have also been affected by inflationary pressures, exchange rate volatility, and higher operating costs. In this context, the size of the payout has drawn attention as an example of how some large firms are responding to employee welfare concerns amid broader economic challenges.

What you should know 

The latest awards build on a series of previous staff-focused initiatives approved by Rabiu. In February 2024, BUA Group implemented a 50% salary increase across its operations, citing the need to support employees during a period of elevated inflation and rising living expenses. Earlier, in 2021, the company announced a N2 billion share bonus for BUA Cement employees, following the company’s performance during the COVID-19 pandemic and the operational disruptions experienced at the time.

Reports note that such incentives can play a role in strengthening employee loyalty and reducing turnover, particularly in industries that rely heavily on skilled and experienced labour. For large manufacturing groups like BUA, workforce stability is often linked to operational efficiency and long-term competitiveness.

While employee reward programmes of this scale remain uncommon in Nigeria’s private sector, Rabiu’s approach positions BUA as an outlier in its emphasis on direct financial recognition for long service. The move also adds to the broader conversation around corporate responsibility, wage growth, and how large employers can balance profitability with staff welfare in a challenging economic environment.

As Nigeria’s business landscape continues to adjust to macroeconomic reforms and cost pressures, the BUA initiative provides a data point on how some companies are choosing to deploy capital not only toward expansion and investment but also toward retaining human capital.

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By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

The Presidency on Sunday night refuted the claims that the All Progressives Congress, APC, arm-twisted and pressurised members of the opposition political parties to defect to the ruling party, saying the decanpees were motivated by the alleged noticeable gains of President Bola Tinubu’s reform programme.

The Presidency also denied the allegation that the ruling APC is using the anti-graft agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to harass and intimidate the opposition.

In a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the presidency said President Tinubu does not issue directives to any anti-corruption agency on whom to investigate, arrest, or prosecute.

The presidency, in the statement titled: “A failed opposition engaging in subterfuge and the empty search for scapegoats,” said the fight against corruption is a collective responsibility and should not be trivialised by baseless allegations, jaundiced or politicised narratives.

The statement read: “Nigeria’s so-called opposition politicians, comprising some of those left in a dying political party and a sprinkling of some failed political office aspirants regrouping in a platform struggling to find its bearings, are amusing lots.

“They blow hot air, seek scapegoats for their failure and move to confuse the polity in a desperate search for cheap political gains.

“On Sunday, a group of opposition figures gathered to sing their familiar tune, hoping their cheerleaders would see their action as a blistering attack from a seemingly virile opposition group.

“They alleged a threat to multi-party democracy because many top politicians are joining the governing All Progressives Congress of their own free will. Our constitution guarantees freedom of association and affords our people the right to change their political leanings at any time of their choosing.

“None of the people who joined the governing APC was pressured to do so. They all did so of their own free will. They are being motivated by the noticeable gains of President Bola Tinubu’s reform programme.

“We may ask: when politicians were moving in droves to the now-dying Peoples Democratic Party between 2000 and 2015, was Nigeria’s democracy imperilled?

“Also, investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have begun exposing those with some explanation to give regarding their stewardship in office and management of public funds entrusted to them. These politicians now accuse President Tinubu of weaponising the EFCC for political purposes.

“While the Presidency does not speak for the EFCC and believes the agency can speak for itself, we must reiterate that the EFCC is an independent institution established by law and empowered to carry out its statutory responsibilities without interference or favour.”

Continuing, it said: “The agency’s mandate is to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, irrespective of the personalities involved, their political affiliations, or their positions in society. We find it curious that the same people who claimed they want to rescue Nigeria are now the ones waging a war of attrition against accountability and probity. Those who have cases to answer before EFCC should be bold and brave enough to defend themselves if they are clean.

“President Tinubu does not issue directives to any anti-corruption agency on whom to investigate, arrest, or prosecute.

“President Tinubu has significant state issues to address rather than engage in political targeting.

“The prosecution is conducted by the court, not by any sleight of hand, and those found not guilty will receive a clean bill of health.

“Allegations of “weaponisation” are distractions from these politicians, who are running short of campaign issues to challenge President Tinubu and the APC’s success in less than three years in office.

“No one is above the law. Everyone must be accountable for their actions, both in and out of the office. Political affiliation should not be a shield against EFCC statutory work, which recently led to Nigeria’s removal from the FATF grey list.

“We have taken cognizance of the signatories to the statement. It is instructive that some of them were previously investigated and prosecuted by the EFCC even before President Tinubu took office in 2023.

“Some of these politicians have also been indicted in international financial probes for money laundering, with some of their accomplices jailed in foreign lands.

“Are they now signing statements because their chickens are coming home to roost?

“We advise those politicians not to undermine the integrity of our nation’s institutions and the collective resolve to fight corruption by weaponising politics to escape accountability and encourage impunity.

“The fight against corruption is a collective responsibility and should not be trivialised by baseless allegations, jaundiced or politicised narratives.”

Vanguard News

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